Nigeria’s crude oil production increased to 1.459 million barrels per day (bpd) in January 2026, solidifying its position as Africa’s largest oil producer. However, the country’s output remained below its Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) quota.
The data was revealed in OPEC’s latest Monthly Oil Market Report (MOMR), published on Wednesday.
While the figures show a modest month-on-month increase, they also highlight Nigeria’s ongoing challenges in meeting its assigned production target. The rise in output suggests a gradual recovery, despite persistent structural and operational issues in the oil sector.
Notably, January marked the sixth consecutive month that Nigeria’s production fell short of its OPEC quota.
Key Data Highlights
- Nigeria’s crude oil production rose from 1.422 million bpd in December 2025 to 1.459 million bpd in January 2026, reflecting a month-on-month increase of 37,000 bpd.
- The country’s OPEC production quota remains at 1.5 million bpd, leaving January’s output 50,000 bpd below target.
- Secondary sources cited by OPEC estimated Nigeria’s production slightly higher, at 1.47 million bpd.
- Libya ranked second in Africa, producing 1.37 million bpd during the same period.
The discrepancy between figures from direct communication and secondary sources reflects differences in tracking methods, a common occurrence in OPEC reporting.
Broader OPEC Insights
Beyond Nigeria, OPEC reported that crude oil production by Declaration of Cooperation (DoC) countries averaged 42.45 million bpd in January 2026, based on secondary sources. This represents a month-on-month decline of 439,000 bpd.
- Total DoC crude production: 42.45 million bpd in January.
- Month-on-month decline: 439,000 bpd compared to December 2025.
- The reduction aligns with OPEC’s strategy to stabilize the market.
This broader production adjustment reflects ongoing efforts by oil-producing nations to balance global supply amid fluctuating demand and economic uncertainties.
